Has anyone ever planned a Block Party before?

Mominator

I am new to my neighborhood. From what I can tell it seems to be very close knit, lots of kids, a lot of the adults hang out at night when it is nice out. As far as I know, they don't do anything like this and I thought that it might be fun to try and plan something for next summer. Of course, I am going to talk to a few of the neighbors that I am friendly with and get their input, but am just wondering if anyone has done anything like this before.

Halloween is supposed to be a huge deal and so I was thinking about just casually mentioning it to some people that night as well, but then what? Send out a letter/flyer? Go door to door introducing myself? It is probably around 40 houses or so that could potentially be involved with this.

JOEBunny

For the last 4 years, we have thrown a block party for about 85 houses, 4 blocks really, with 200-250 people at each party.  We get a musician, like a guy who sings covers.  We get beer, kegs.  Wine, from Trader Joe's.  We used to cook an entire pig, but the last year, we just bought cooked pork.  We have a close group of people (about 6 ladies) make sides and dessert. Keep it simple stupid is our creed.  We do not do pot luck after the first year when we did pot luck for apps and dessert and it was a pain to have to make sure everything was kept food safe and everyone left their dishes.  We now hire a person to keep the food area clean, wash pans,

We get all the food service stuff, tents, and tables from the salvation army.  We flyer the 4 blocks 3 weeks before and again 2 days before the party.  

It cost about $1000 -$1300 for everything except the sides.  Our family and two others cover the brunt of that.  4-6 other families bring sides or donate money.  It is fun.  We skipped this year because my neck has been injured and I was not sure if I was going to end up having surgery until about a month ago.  I look forward to doing it next year.  

Mominator

Bump

And thanks for the response Joe!